Reach ... Reach higher for your dreams

20th November 2007 10.10pm (Singapore time)/9.10pm (Cambodian time)
Divine appointment - MSN chat

I first knew him two and a half years ago in Cambodia. He was my first Cambodian friend, the first who bought me around Phnom Penh, the first who exposed me to the culture. He got a scholarship to study in the Singapore Management University. He achieved it through his own diligence and determination in the Cambodian education system consumed by corruption. I distinctly remembered our conversation that day - two and a half years ago.

" What made you study Economics in Singapore?"
" So that i can come back and help Cambodia. I want to return to help my country to build up the economy.In that way, i can help my people out of poverty."

This is his dreams.

He has got a good heart too. When he returned to Cambodia during his term break, instead of spending time with his famiy and friends, he chose to come over to our orphanage to volunteer as a translator for 2 months or so. This is how i got to know him.

Cambodia indeed need people like him - leaders of tomorrow with dreams and passion to help their own people. Leaders like him who cared enough for the majority - the poor. I am looking forward and will be praying for your return, my dear friend.

We lost touch.

Yesterday, we met again on msn.

"I am back in Phnom Penh (Cambodia), working in a bank now ... I have been drinking alot these days ... This is what the Cambodian adults in Phnom Penh do ... i just feel that time is slipping by ... "
My heart sank. Where did the youth with the zeal, passion and fervour to help his people went? What happened to your dreams?

More often than not, it is not easy to go against the tide, to fight solitary against a brutal system that wouldnt budge. It is not easy to live your dreams. But my dear friend, never give up.It is one small step at a time...with courage and determination, you can make a difference to your people. Life is a journey, a race. Continue to believe and i know you will be stronger, and you can reach higher for your dreams.

I will be cheering for you. I will be praying for you. Continue my dear friend, to live your dreams, to reach higher for your people.

Chorng, take heart, this is specially for you...



Artist: Gloria Estefan
Album: Destiny (1996)

Some dreams live on in time forever
Those dreams, you want with all your heart
And I’ll do, whatever it takes
Follow through with the promise I made
Put it all on the line
What I hoped for at last would be mine

If I could reach, higher
Just for one moment touch the sky
From that one moment in my life
I’m gonna be stronger
Know that I’ve tried my very best
I’d put my spirit to the test
If I could reach

Some days are meant to be remembered
Those days we rise above the stars
So I’ll go the distance this time
Seeing more the higher I climb
That the more I believe
All the more that this dream will be mine

If I could reach, higher
If I could, if I could
If I could reach
Reach, I’d reach, I’d reach
I’d reach, I’d reach so much higher
Be stronger.